The Meall an t-Suidhe[1] is a mountain in Scotland, located close to the Ben Nevis.
Etymology
Meall an t-Suidhe is a gaelic toponym which can be translated as hill of the seat[2] or hill of the rest.[3]
Features
N ridge
Usually considered as the wesetern shoulder of the Ben Nevis system,[4] the mountain is located on the W side of the Glen Nevis and overlooks the N outskirts of Fort William. The Meall an t-Suidhe is divided from the rest of the Ben Nevis group by a large and grassy saddle, mainly occupied by the Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe. The outflow of the lake is a stream named Allt Coire an Lochain which runs on the E flanks of Meall an-t Shuide, and joins the Allt a' Mhuilinn, a larger stream, just before its conflunence with the River Lochy.[5] The summit of Meall an t-Suidhe is marked by a cairn.[3] Because of its topographic prominence the mountain is classified as a HuMP.[1] Its shape has been compared to a whale in repose, and remark that its green grassy E slopes form a pleasant contrast with the deep blue of the nearby lake.[3]
Geology
View from Auchitee road
The area of the Meall an t-Suidhe is crossed by a line taking apart two portions of the Ben Nevis granites; the innermost of the two portions is considered by geologists younger than the external one. These outer granites are often interrupted by porphyriticdykes.[6]
Access to the summit
Summit dome
The mountain is located close to the pony trail, the most frequented route to the Ben Nevis.[3] Some guidebooks propose the ascent to its summit as an easier and less demanding alternative to the Ben Nevis. They also note that Meall an t-Suidhe is peaceful and is more often free from clouds than its more imposing and crowded neighbour. Getting to the top can roughly take less than 6 hours' walking (there and back) from the Glen Nevis visitor centre. The hike with good weather is not difficult but in its last part involves walking out of waymarked footpaths.[7]
^"Daily program of excursions n.8 - Ben Nevis". Guide to Excursion, A. 1-19, B, C. 1-18. Vol. 2. International Geological Congress. 1948. p. 18. Retrieved 13 June 2022.